Circuses with wild animals are strictly regulated by a licensing scheme, introduced in 2012, that sees them inspected by vets six times a year (twice unannounced) with the results available online. Every aspect of the animal's life, diet and accommodation is governed by strict guidelines.

In this ever fast paced society we want the big stunts and need to gasp with our hearts racing before we will confess to being entertained. Are you not entertained, asked Maximus Decimus Meridius and Jay Z. No, not when the clowns are on we're not.

The club started the season with a wealth of options in every area. Some had to go. But a few of the players Slade has let go for next to nothing (or literaly nothing) were far too good for that kind of treatment...

In the spot light, under the big top, a baby elephant balances on a red and white striped ball. He can't take his eyes off the person holding the metal hook - for he performs under threat of punishment. His fear is that the elephant hook will, yet again, be shoved into his sensitive skin.

Attention Wilderness-ers and would-be aerial artists - Gorilla Circus, the UK's only outdoor flying trapeze school (not an actual gorilla circus) is heading to Wilderness this year! We'll be branching out from our current site in Regent's Park.

We filmed it at Scope's West Hampstead shop and had a great laugh making it. The other stars of the ad - the shop manager Cathy, volunteer Maureen and all the other people in the ad who react to my strip were great.

As a professional actor of 25 years, since being the first disabled actor to appear in a UK soap back in 1991, and the chair of the actor's union Equity's Deaf and Disabled Members Committee I know all too well just how high the standard of talent is within the disabled acting community.

Much animal suffering is not immediately obvious and visible. They are forced to suffer long, arduous journeys and extended periods tied up, chained or caged - with no freedom of movement. Housed in temporary, transportable accommodation, it is simply not possible for circuses to provide an appropriate environment for wild animals.

Cirque du Soleil is just like the business of express logistics. Now hang on, please stay with me. That statement may look like a desperate attempt both to grab your attention and to make a bold and spurious claim that a business that involves shifting packages from A to B can also be fascinating. Well, you could be right, but only partly: there's also quite a bit of truth in there.

Seriously, Mr Cameron, can this be a law? I'm sure a siesta Bill can be passed. Let's look at the benefits for a moment: power naps = more productive brain activity, it makes us happier, healthier, reduces stress, which in turn is good for our cardiovascular systems - less strain on the NHS.

The South Bank in London is once again home to the E4 Udderbelly, London Wonderground and brand new headline show 'Limbo' from the team behind last years hit 'Cantina' is running from now through to September.

This week everyone turns up at my contemporary dance class cheerfully carrying a selection of random objects: keys, a straw hat, knitting needles with reams of colourful purple wool, a giant bamboo stick. Our task is to choreograph a trio using a prop.

Peter is an unfathomably tall and lean individual, so much so that he confounds machines that measure your body-mass index. As an accomplished circus performer, he is one of the best fire-performers and poi-spinners in the UK. He is also exhausted.